It took Timeshares four years to put together a follow-up to their 2011 debut, Bearable, and that long gestation period comes through on their new record, Already Dead. “Heavy Hangs” shows off the band’s knack for razor-cut punk and imbues it with a Southern rock tinge that elevates it to the next level. Everything sounds toiled over and compact here, and all four members of the band feel completely in sync. Bassist and singer Mike Natoli explains the origins of the track: “One night I turned around after our last song and Jay [Mosher, the guitarist and songwriter] is standing by his amp and goes, ‘Heavy hangs this wood around my neck, Michael.’ He was probably being totally serious but we both just laughed at how stupidly poetic it sounded and I thought it was perfect when he incorporated that line into a song.” That kind of organic songwriting and free-flowing exchange of ideas is necessary to create a good spark, and “Heavy Hangs” absolutely lights up. Listen below.

Already Dead is out 4/28 via SideOneDummy.